If you wake up in the morning with stiff joints, or your joints stiffen when you have to sit for a while in a car or on a plane, exercising can help loosen up your joints. Regular exercise keeps you flexible and eases the pain of conditions such as arthritis. Regular exercise also strengthens the muscles around your joints and helps you to stay flexible. Contact your doctor before doing exercises for stiff joints. Upper Body Sit or stand facing forward, with your shoulders squared and your arms at your sides. Turn your head slowly to one side. Hold for...

Arthritis or another medical condition could be the cause of a stiff knee. Overuse of the joints and muscles in your knee can also cause stiffness. Strengthening your hamstrings, quadriceps and other knee-supporting muscles protects your knees from stress and the shock of impact, according to American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Stretching your muscles improves flexibility, which can prevent stiffness and injury. Straight Leg Lift Begin the straight leg lift by lying on your back with your right leg straight and your left leg bent at the knee with your foot flat on the floor. Slowly lift your right leg...

Upper back pain can occur as a result of injury, strain or poor posture. According to Spine-Health.com, most cases of upper back pain stem from muscle irritation or joint issues. As more people sit hunched over computers for work, more suffer from upper back pain and stiffness. Sleeping in an uncomfortable position or uncomfortable bed can also lead to upper back pain. Gentle stretching exercises can help relieve the pain and stiffness. Wall Stretch Step 1 Face a wall, standing approximately 2 feet away. Step 2 Place the palms of your hands flat on the wall, shoulder-width apart. Step 3...